Oconaluftee Visitor Center

1194 Newfound Gap Road, Cherokee, NC 28719

● Open

4.8 6,801

Location & Phone number

Hours open

Photos

About Us

Reviews

About the Business

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is a must-visit institution located at 1194 Newfound Gap Road in Cherokee, North Carolina, United States. This museum and travel agency is the perfect starting point for exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse plant and animal life, and rich Appalachian mountain culture.

Before heading out to explore the park, make sure to stop by the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to get the latest information on road conditions, trail updates, and park facilities. Remember to obtain a parking tag if you plan on staying for longer than 15 minutes, as parking can be in high demand.

Whether you're interested in leisurely driving through Cades Cove, camping in one of the park's frontcountry campgrounds, or embarking on a backcountry adventure, the Oconaluftee Visitor Center can help you plan your visit. Be sure to keep an eye out for bears, as encounters with these wild animals can be unpredictable.

From experiencing the cool mist of a waterfall to camping under the stars and exploring historic mills, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Start your adventure at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center today!

Photos

Location & Phone number

Directions

Oconaluftee Visitor Center, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719, United States

828-497-1904

nps.gov

Call Website

Hours open

Monday:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Reviews

Merlin Cruz:

"Very nice and has a museum with lots of info. We were able to see elk there! (We went twice during our stay)"

1 year ago

Louis and Elaine:

"We visited the Oconaluftee Visitors Center is a great place to stop. Several comprehensive displays of mountain life are on display. The park rangers are super friendly and very knowledgeable about the local area. They also have several very clean rest rooms and a very nice gift shop."

1 year ago

Briana Westfall:

"The staff was kind, and had some historical artifacts inside as well. The mountain farm was pretty cool, it's a nice walk out back and is next to the river. If you're lucky, you'll get to see the elk. The only bummer we had was the gift shop was closed for 2 days in a row for restocking of inventory."

1 year ago

Sean and April Walker:

"Very well maintained. The staff was knowledgeable and helpful in providing facts about the area. The cabins and surrounding houses gave great insight into life in Cherokee many years ago. Also, alot of cool elk sightings!"

1 year ago

Augustus:

"It is the gateway to one of the most magnificent and well kept national parks in the USA (Smoky Mountains National Park). If you go between September and early December, you will see elks roaming nearby. Inside the center you will find help if you want to know more about the park and its trails. There is a small store were you can buy many little things including preserves from the area (highly recommended). Restrooms are always clean. You can even walk by the river and enjoy the surrounding nature."

1 year ago